Collaborative Research: Studies of Magnetospheric and Ionospheric Dynamics Using the Magnetometer Array for Cusp and Cleft Studies (MACCS)

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This award would continue the operations of the Magnetometer Array for Cusp and Cleft Studies (MACCS) network combined with the dissemination of its data and the scientific analysis of MACCS data in collaboration with other ground-based and space-based research teams. MACCS is a longitudinal array of high latitude fluxgate magnetometers covering the Eastern Canadian Arctic at high latitudes(75-85N), providing continuity of spatial coverage between existing Canadian and Greenland arrays. MACCS has contributed to the study of ULF waves and transients at these extreme latitudes as well as large cooperative studies of magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling, ionospheric convection, and magnetic storm and substorm processes. The combination of the location of several MACCS stations under the field of view of the SuperDARN / PolarDARN radar network, their proximity to the field of view of the AMISR radar system at Resolute Bay, Canada, and the nominal "conjugacy" of four MACCS stations with U. S. Antarctic stations as well as the recent addition of dual high-sampling-rate GPS TEC receivers makes possible additional comparative studies that would be quite rich in possible transformative outcomes. Each MACCS site transmits data in near real time (two through Iridium, six through the local wireless internet. The MACCS array has provided ground-based magnetic field observations that will continue to play a fundamental role in magnetospheric and ionospheric research and will continue to provide critical data for studies of various geospace phenomena including solar wind-magnetosphere and magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions, the dynamics of the high latitude polar cap regions of the magnetosphere, and geomagnetic storms and substorms. The scientific analysis of MACCS data would focus on the topics such as the detailed studies of high-latitude ULF waves, using multi-instrument ground-based and satellite data from the Van Allen Probes and SWARM and studies of the role of ULF waves in energizing or depleting radiation belt electrons during magnetic storms. Theoretical studies and modeling studies (using the Space Weather Modeling Framework) of the excitation and propagation of ULF waves through the global magnetosphere-ionosphere system, and exploring the physical mechanisms involved would be particular aspects of the science issues covered in this award.